Bangkok is a lively and welcoming city that attracts millions of visitors each year. Its low costs, excellent coworking spots, and incredible food make it a popular hub for digital nomads.
We spent two months living in the northern part of Bangkok as digital nomads and found it an ideal place to settle. There’s so much to do and so many amazing restaurants to try. This guide aims to help you if you’re planning to travel and work remotely in Thailand’s capital.
When living the remote work lifestyle, you’ll need fast and reliable internet. Thankfully, Bangkok scores well for internet speed and has plenty of free Wi-Fi. During our stay, we had consistent speeds between 10 and 15 Mbps in our rented condo. Only once in two months did we experience an outage, which was due to a building-wide upgrade. This minor inconvenience gave us a chance to explore the local area.
Many coffee shops and restaurants across the city offer free Wi-Fi. Just remember to stay safe when using public connections.
When we decided to move back to Bangkok, we researched various parts of the city to find a place to live. We wanted to avoid the pricey tourist areas and instead found somewhere with good transport links and great food. We suggest getting a day pass for the BTS Skytrain or the MRT to explore different neighborhoods.
The area north of the Victory Monument is popular and becomes more affordable as you head further north. Great options can also be found southeast or southwest of the city center, including On Nut and Bang Chak.
Finding an apartment or house in Bangkok is relatively straightforward. Many new condo buildings and older low-rise apartments are available. Simply ask a receptionist or security guard if there are vacancies. They might show you around or refer you to local agents.
Landlords typically require a minimum three-month stay with a deposit or two months’ rent upfront. For shorter stays, consider using Airbnb to avoid the hassle of deposits and contracts. We paid about $430 per month for a one-bedroom condo in Bang Sue, including all bills and access to an onsite pool. If you rent directly, expect to pay around $300 per month for a basic apartment.
Food is one of the main reasons we chose Bangkok. You can easily find a tasty meal for under $2, and prices decrease further from the city center. Renting an apartment usually includes a small kitchen to prep basic meals, helping keep costs below $300 a month. Supermarkets like Tesco Lotus and Big C are convenient for essentials, and 7-Eleven stores are everywhere for quick snacks.
Coffee is readily available and inexpensive in Bangkok. A cup from a street vendor costs under $1, and slightly more in coffee shops. Thai iced tea is a cheaper alternative and widely available.
Currently, the Thai government is cracking down on ‘visa runs’. It’s advisable to get a two-month Thai visa from an embassy for about $55, which can be extended for another month in Bangkok for an additional fee, giving you a 90-day stay. Check with your local embassy for longer stays as rules frequently change.
